Hypertension and obesity moderate the relationship between β-amyloid and cognitive decline in midlife.

Clark LR, Koscik RL, Allison SL, Berman SE, Norton D, Carlsson CM, Betthauser TJ, Bendlin BB, Christian BT, Chin NA, Asthana S, Johnson SC.

Alzheimers Dement. 2019 Mar;15(3):418-428. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.09.008. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study tested if central obesity, hypertension, or depressive symptoms moderated the relationship between B-amyloid (AB) and longitudinal cognitive performance in late middle-aged adults enriched for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. METHODS: Participants (n = 207; ages = 40-70 years; 73% parental AD) in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention study completed 3+ neuropsychological evaluations and a [11C]PiB positron emission tomography scan or lumbar puncture. Linear mixed-effects regression models tested interactions of risk factor x AB x visit age on longitudinal Verbal Learning & Memory and Speed & Flexibility factor scores. RESULTS: The relationship between AB and Verbal Learning & Memory decline was moderated by hypertension (X2(1) = 3.85, P = .04) and obesity (X2(1) = 6.12, P = .01); those with both elevated AB and the risk factor declined at faster rates than those with only elevated AB or elevated risk factors. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, hypertension and obesity moderated the relationship between AB and cognitive decline.

Pubmed ID: 30367828

DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.09.008

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